Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #62 *ARREST*

[MsBetsy]

I think there's a ton of it.

I don't think there is a ton of forensic evidence such as blood or DNA. There just needs to be enough to prove Suzanne is deceased, which could be just one small sample. I think the case is largely built on witness testimony, the actions of the defendant, cell phone communication, and other circumstantial evidence.

If there was a huge amount of blood, as well as DNA evidence linking BM to the murder, I don't think it would have taken a year to arrest him.

IMO

 

[EggSalad]

I don't think there is a ton of forensic evidence such as blood or DNA. There just needs to be enough to prove Suzanne is deceased, which could be just one small sample. I think the case is largely built on witness testimony, the actions of the defendant, cell phone communication, and other circumstantial evidence.

If there was a huge amount of blood, as well as DNA evidence linking BM to the murder, I don't think it would have taken a year to arrest him.

IMO

IMO, two outside factors also contributed to the 1 year of time before an arrest: 1. Covid and the additional time it took for forensics 2. The election and outgoing - incoming DA

I’m just so ready to see the AA.

 

[MsBetsy]

IMO, two outside factors also contributed to the 1 year of time before an arrest: 1. Covid and the additional time it took for forensics 2. The election and outgoing - incoming DA

I’m just so ready to see the AA.

Yes, I know, but it's hard to believe labs were backed up for almost a year.

 

[Momofthreeboys]

I don't think there is a ton of forensic evidence such as blood or DNA. There just needs to be enough to prove Suzanne is deceased, which could be just one small sample. I think the case is largely built on witness testimony, the actions of the defendant, cell phone communication, and other circumstantial evidence.

If there was a huge amount of blood, as well as DNA evidence linking BM to the murder, I don't think it would have taken a year to arrest him.

IMO

More than one small sample would need to be proved in the house I would think. Again I think of the Cal Harris case. A very small amount of blood exposed with Luminol…not really enough to say someone was murdered. But we don’t really know what they have yet.

 

[MsBetsy]

More than one small sample would need to be proved in the house I would think. Again I think of the Cal Harris case. A very small amount of blood exposed with Luminol…not really enough to say someone was murdered. But we don’t really know what they have yet.

Well, I meant a sample such as a partial tooth or bone fragment. Either that or enough blood to indicate she could not have survived. Both would be better. Imo

 

[Cassady]

Here's a standard jury instruction for Colorado courts. Whatever perception they bring to the courtroom, they will be instructed that circumstantial evidence is as powerful as direct evidence.

3:9 DIRECT AND INDIRECT (CIRCUMSTANTIAL) EVIDENCE — DEFINED

Evidence may be either direct or circumstantial. Circumstantial evidence is the proof of facts or circumstances from which the existence or nonexistence of other facts may reasonably be inferred. All other evidence is direct evidence. The law makes no distinction between the effect of direct evidence and circumstantial evidence.

Colorado uses the term indirect evidence to make it less confusing.

Direct evidence would be the victims blood being discovered and identified with DNA.

Indirect or circumstantial evidence would be to infer that because a large amount of the victim's blood was found somewhere and the victim has been missing for a year, that she is likely deceased.

GPS data itself would be direct evidence in many circumstances...IMO.

 

[loveplace]

Well, if Suzanne was all for Barry killing her, why are we waiting on the AA and future trial? If she was willing to give her own life for Barry to become rich, why'd she go through the hell of chemotherapy?

Barry is mentally ill. Those of us of sound mind may never understand his words or reasoning. He's in jail for committing heinous crimes that have nothing to do with being a Southern Baptist.

I don't believe for a minute that Suzanne was willing to die in order to make Barry a multi- millionaire. She'd also be forfeiting seeing her lovely daughters graduate, becoming happily engaged, attending their fabulous weddings and being a devoted grandmother.

JMHO, but Suzanne raged against the dying of the light.

I think the point is that from his perspective that was a possible and in MOO likely explaintion for the thought process behind what he said.

JMO

 

[jondaba]

Makes sense, thank you for the reply. I'm just a little surprised a motion for bail hasn't been addressed by his attorneys. The hyperbole they demonstrated in the last hearing had me thinking that they were out there fighting away for BM and to get him out of that cage. I guess that was just bluster, and when it comes right down to it, they must know they are screwed. IMO.

I assure you “they” are not screwed. They have been paid in advance.

 

[nyvictoria]

Makes sense, thank you for the reply. I'm just a little surprised a motion for bail hasn't been addressed by his attorneys. The hyperbole they demonstrated in the last hearing had me thinking that they were out there fighting away for BM and to get him out of that cage. I guess that was just bluster, and when it comes right down to it, they must know they are screwed. IMO.

IMO the attorneys just took advantage of the opportunity to let the public know that poor Barry is being kept in a cage. They need to try to drum up some sympathy any way they can. I’m sure they’re costing him plenty. He’s been unloading assets so even if he’s granted bail (doubtful), he may not have enough to cover it. Does anyone want to help the poor guy out?

 

[Ontario Mom]

I keep thinking about the "if one person could be saved, she would think it was worth it" comment from BM. "Something" put that notion in his head and it eventually came out his mouth.

BM was attempting to use common Christian terminology to sound like a Christian, without realizing what he was saying was pure nonsense.

The entire premise of "if this, then that" rests on there being some sort of moral redemptive element to the story and there was none.

Sort of like saying, if Bob devotes a part of every day and helps the homeless, then gets killed on the same streets he's heloing on, he'd still say if one person was motivated by what he'd done in helping the homeless, him being killed on the very same streets as them, was worth it. There's a somewhat bittersweet ending to Bob's life because there might have been a morally redemptive element to it.

Shifting back to Suzanne's case... none of that even applies. It can't, because BM used the Christian figure of speech in the most absolute wrong way. And that's why it doesn't make any sense.

jmo

 

[windrower]

Well, if Suzanne was all for Barry killing her, why are we waiting on the AA and future trial? If she was willing to give her own life for Barry to become rich, why'd she go through the hell of chemotherapy?

Barry is mentally ill. Those of us of sound mind may never understand his words or reasoning. He's in jail for committing heinous crimes that have nothing to do with being a Southern Baptist.

I don't believe for a minute that Suzanne was willing to die in order to make Barry a multi- millionaire. She'd also be forfeiting seeing her lovely daughters graduate, becoming happily engaged, attending their fabulous weddings and being a devoted grandmother.

JMHO, but Suzanne raged against the dying of the light.

I haven’t been very emotional about SUZANNE’s murder, I’ve needed to keep this situation somewhat at arm’s length for my own well-being.

But, DeDee, your comments about her hopes and expectations for the present and future with her daughters did me in.

SUZANNE, if she was at all able, absolutely fought for her life. She did just that through two bouts of cancer, I have no doubt she would try with all her might to save herself from her murderous husband.

 

[al66pine]

... He’s been unloading assets so even if he’s granted bail (doubtful), he may not have enough to cover it. Does anyone want to help the poor guy out?

@nyvictoria sbm bbm Short answer alert

Maybe but it's "too soon." lol. my2ct.

 

[TKG]

I assure you “they” are not screwed. They have been paid in advance.

Or the notoriety of the case and pro bono are enough for them. This will be a very interesting aspect of this case. I am hopeful we know who contacted whom and what the arrangement was.

 

[DizzyB]

Until I see the AA, I have zero opinion on what kind of case the prosecution has. I absolutely feel that Barry killed Suzanne but I don’t know a thing about the evidence. I hope Linda Stanley’s confidence in her case is warranted.

 

[nyvictoria]

I’d love to know everyone’s thoughts on what the defense will be.

IMO Barry would like to try to convince the jury that Suzanne is still alive and living with her secret boyfriend somewhere. They’ll reference the random facebook friending that happened (IIRC) Saturday night to show that Suzanne was trying to contact men. The DA will likely introduce overwhelming evidence that Suzanne is deceased and the defense will pivot to the alternate theory that the secret boyfriend, or one of the other men she arranged to meet, murdered her when she backed out of the plan to run away together. They’ll attack all the evidence and have an expert or two testify that LE mishandled the crime scene(s), rendering all the evidence tainted. They’ll claim that LE targeted Barry and never looked at anyone else. And, to thoroughly confuse the jury, they’ll repeatedly point out that Barry had “ex-con meth addicts” working for him.

The jury will be disgusted by the “blame Suzanne” tactics and find him guilty.

JMO

 

[MemPat]

IMO the attorneys just took advantage of the opportunity to let the public know that poor Barry is being kept in a cage. They need to try to drum up some sympathy any way they can. I’m sure they’re costing him plenty. He’s been unloading assets so even if he’s granted bail (doubtful), he may not have enough to cover it. Does anyone want to help the poor guy out?

Fotis Dulos' way out comes to mind.

 

[TKG]

I’d love to know everyone’s thoughts on what the defense will be.

IMO Barry would like to try to convince the jury that Suzanne is still alive and living with her secret boyfriend somewhere. They’ll reference the random facebook friending that happened (IIRC) Saturday night to show that Suzanne was trying to contact men. The DA will likely introduce overwhelming evidence that Suzanne is deceased and the defense will pivot to the alternate theory that the secret boyfriend, or one of the other men she arranged to meet, murdered her when she backed out of the plan to run away together. They’ll attack all the evidence and have an expert or two testify that LE mishandled the crime scene(s), rendering all the evidence tainted. They’ll claim that LE targeted Barry and never looked at anyone else. And, to thoroughly confuse the jury, they’ll repeatedly point out that Barry had “ex-con meth addicts” working for him.

The jury will be disgusted by the “blame Suzanne” tactics and find him guilty.

JMO

IMO He may possibly say she fell and when he found her, panicked.

 

[MsBetsy]

Colorado uses the term indirect evidence to make it less confusing.

Direct evidence would be the victims blood being discovered and identified with DNA.

Indirect or circumstantial evidence would be to infer that because a large amount of the victim's blood was found somewhere and the victim has been missing for a year, that she is likely deceased.

GPS data itself would be direct evidence in many circumstances...IMO.

I wouldn't think the victim's blood being found and identified through DNA would be Direct Evidence because it doesn't prove anything other than that person is the victim. You can still make inferences as to what happened and who the killer is.

I've always thought of DE as either a video camera catching the perp in the act, a witness observing the actual crime, or an audio confession. No inferences can be made as to who the person is or what they did.

All other evidence is circumstantial, or indirect.

GPS evidence wouldn't be DE because it does not lead to solving the case on it's own. They would still need physical evidence to prove Suzanne is dead.

IMO

 

[Momofthreeboys]

I wouldn't think the victim's blood being found and identified through DNA would be Direct Evidence because it doesn't prove anything other than that person is the victim. You can still make inferences as to what happened and who the killer is.

I've always thought of DE as either a video camera catching the perp in the act, a witness observing the actual crime, or an audio confession. No inferences can be made as to who the person is or what they did.

All other evidence is circumstantial, or indirect.

GPS evidence wouldn't be DE because it does not lead to solving the case on it's own. They would still need physical evidence to prove Suzanne is dead.

IMO

And more important than she is deceased it must be AND Barry did it and no one else could have beyond a reasonable doubt. He could have done or he might of done it is not enough.

 

[HongKongPhooey]

And more important than she is deceased it must be AND Barry did it and no one else could have beyond a reasonable doubt. He could have done or he might of done it is not enough.

We had this debate recently here for some UK cases (all accused found guilty in these cases, eg Libby Squire, Lindsey Birbeck).

Without independent witnesses, it's very difficult to remove all reasonable doubt and comes down to jury interpretation IMO.